COVENTRY CITY continued to keep their heads above the relegation zone with a hardfought point from the first of four Saturday home games.

The fact that they didn't get all three was largely due to missed opportunities in front of goal against an Ipswich Town side that Micky Adams feels was at a distinct advantage compared to his 'make do' team.

"In terms of effort and endeavour, my players are consistent, but in terms of the way they go about things they sometimes lack quality, but quality costs money," said the Sky Blues manager who is desperate to add to his squad but unable to do so until the New Year when acting chairman Geoffrey Robinson is hoping to make more cash available for players.

"I have got a few quid but I tell you this, I am not throwing it into a football club."

He added: "Ipswich are a good side with quality players and as we have seen again, they have actually spent money on improving their squad even though they lost some good players last year.

"Although the attendance wasn't as high as it could have been, it was important that we followed up the Cardiff result with a game and hopefully we can kickstart that home form again."

Looking at the positive aspects of City's game, although Adams blamed Andrew Whing for Ipswich's goal, he was otherwise delighted with the full-back on his return to the side.

"It was a disappointing goal to concede," he said. "It was a ball into the box that, in hindsight, I think maybe Whingy should have put out for a corner. It is a defensive lapse and maybe he will learn from that. I certainly hope so because he played well overall."

Whether it was enough to keep his place and earn a run in the side, only time will tell, but for Saturday at least, the manager felt his regular rightback needed to take time out.

"Richard Duffy came back from international duty and looked very tired so it was time to give him a rest," he explained.

"Whingy has kept himself in good shape and showed the right sort of performance, so I was pleased with his response to getting his chance."

Elsewhere, Adams was also pleased with teenage midfielder Kevin Thornton who went on for Michael Doyle who appears to be in doubt for tomorrow's trip to Crystal Palace after going off injured at the Ricoh Arena.

"Michael has got a problem in his hip region which effects the way he moves, so that decision was quite simple," he said. "And I thought Kevin injected a little spark when he went on. The boy has got talent and we have just got to channel it in the right direction.

"He is one for the future and once again I have shown that I am not afraid of putting kids on the pitch if I feel they are good enough."